2015
2012 / 2016
2013
GRADUATE STUDIES HANDBOOK
Faculty of
OfScience,
Science,Universiti
UniversitiTeknologi
TeknologiMalaysia
Malaysia
Faculty
innovativ e • entrepreneurial • global
http://www.fs.utm.my
SYNOPSES OF COURSES (FORENSIC SCIENCE)
63
63
2015 / 2016
GRADUATE STUDIES HANDBOOK
APPENDIX B
Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
FORENSIC SCIENCE – SYNOPSES OF COURSES
MSCN 1303 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This course provides students with the necessary background knowledge on Research Methodology
to enable them to identify, evaluate, and select an appropriate topic for a postgraduate research
project. Students will be guided to find appropriate literature resources relevant to the chosen topic;
prepare a concise, synthesized and critical literature review with appropriate references and free of
plagiarism, formulate problem statement, purpose statement and research objectives and develop an
appropriate research design for a study. At the end of the course, students are required to prepare
and present a forensic research proposal
References:
1. Berg, B. L., Qualitative research methods for the social sciences, 7th Edition . Boston: Allyn &
Bacon, 2009.
2. William, S. Jr., White, E. B. and Angell, R. Basic research methods : an entry to social science
research. The Elements of Style, 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
st
3. Blake, G. and Bly, R. W., Elements of Technical Writing, 1 Edition, 1993.
4. Leedy, P.D. and Ormrod J. E., Practical Research: Planning and Design, 7th Edition . 2001.
5. Graziano, A. M. and Raulin, M. L., Research Methods: A Process of Enquiry, 5th Edition 2004.
6. Journals that cover innovations and applications in the field of Pure and Applied Chemistry as
well as Forensic Science such as Science & Justice, Journal Forensic Sciences, Journal of
Chromatography A, The Analyst, Analytica Chimica Acta, Analytical Chemistry, Talanta,
Analytical Letters, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
MSCN xx80/MSN xx90 : DISSERTATION
Students must have completed the Research Methodology Course (MSN 0010) before they are
allowed to register for this course. In this course students will implement the research proposal
prepared in MSN 0010) Students will conduct research work in a forensic chemistry laboratory,
computer lab or a validated laboratory/external forensic institutions. At the end of the course, each
student is required to submit the final research dissertation and sit for an oral examination via viva
voce. In addition, each student is also required to write and submit at least one technical paper for
publication in a scientific journal
References:
1. William Strunk Jr., E.B. White and Roger Angell, The Elements of Style, 4th ed.,Longman, 2000.
2. Gary Blake And Robert W. Bly, Elements of Technical Writing, 1st ed., 1993.
3. Lakatos, I., John Worral, J. and Gregory Currie, G., The Methodology of Scientific Research Programs,
Eds., Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1978.
4. Leedy P. D. and Ormrod J. E., Practical Research: Planning and Design, 7th Edition. 2001.
5. A. M. Graziano, and M. L. Raulin, Research Methods: A Process of Enquiry, 5th Edition. 2004.
6.
Journals that cover innovations and applications in the field of Pure and Applied Chemistry as well
as Forensic Science such as Science & Justice, Journal Forensic Sciences, Journal of
Chromatography A, The Analyst, Analytica Chimica Acta, Analytical Chemistry, Talanta,
Analytical Letters, Analytical andBioanalytical Chemistry
64
2015 / 2016
GRADUATE STUDIES HANDBOOK
Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
MSCN 1853 : FORENSIC PRACTICAL
This course covers the practical areas of forensic chemistry and serology related to the theory
which has been presented in class – examinations of glass, paints, plastics, soil, hairs, drugs,
fibres, accidents and alcohol analysis, as well as body fluid analysis (blood, saliva and
semen). Upon analyses of exhibits in a simulated case, students are required to prepare a scientific
and court report for preparation as an expert witness in a Moot court.
References:
1. Bell, S., Forensic Chemistry, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, USA, 2006.
2. Umi Kalthom Ahmad dan Abdul Rahim Yacob, Pengenalan Sains Forensik, Penerbit UTM,
2003.
3. Saferstein, R., Handbook of Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, Vol. 1 & 2, 1988.
4. Saferstein, R., Criminalistic, An Introduction to Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, 1998.
5. Journals that cover innovations and applications in the field of Pure and Forensic Chemistry
such as Science & Justice, Journal Forensic Sciences, Journal of Chromatography A, The
Analyst, Analytica Chimica Acta, Analytical Chemistry, Talanta, Analytical Letters, Analytical and
Bioanalytical Chemistry.
MSCN 1803 : FORENSIC EVIDENCE AND THE ASPECTS OF LAW
This course provides an introduction to forensic science. The course covers the legal aspects
of forensic science including the admissibility of scientific evidence, laboratory reports and
expert testimony. This course also focuses on recognizing, protecting and preserving all physical
evidence at a crime scene.
References:
1. Slide presentation and video clip on the internet. http://elearning.utm.my
2. Umi Kalthom Ahmad dan Abdul Rahim Yacob, Pengenalan Sains Forensik, Penerbit UTM, 2003.
3. Saferstein, R., Handbook of Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, Vol. 1 & 2, 1988.
4. Saferstein, R., Criminalistic, An Introduction to Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, 1998.
5. Mimi Kamariah Majid, Criminal Procedure in Malaysia, 3rd ed., University of Malaya Press,
1999.
6. Francis Ng Aik Guan, Criminal Procedure, Malayan Law Journal, 2000.
MSCN 1813 : FORENSIC ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATION
This course provides the basic principles and application of various instrumental methods to
the examination of physical evidence, including microscopy, spectrophotometric and chromatographic
techniques, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
References:
1. Slide presentation and video clip on the internet. http://elearning.utm.my
2. Ho, M. H., Analytical Methods in Forensic Chemistry, New York: E Horwood, 1990.
3. White, P.,Crime Scene to Court -The Essentials of Forensic Science, , The Royal Society of
Chemistry, 1998.
4. Yinon, J., Advances in Forensic Application of Mass Spectrometry, CRC Press, Boca Raton,
2004.
5. Petersen, J.K., Understanding Surveillance Technologies, Spy Devices, Their Origins and
Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2001.
6. Journals that cover innovations and applications in the field of Forensic such as Science &
Justice & Journal Forensic Sciences.
65
2015 / 2016
GRADUATE STUDIES HANDBOOK
Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
MSCN 1823 : FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
This course covers the principal areas of forensic chemistry - trace evidence and alcohol analysis.
Included also are statistics and data analysis, as well as sample preparation and current analytical
techniques. Case examples will also be presented and discussed.
References:
1. Bell, S., Forensic Chemistry, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, USA, 2006.
2. Umi Kalthom Ahmad dan Abdul Rahim Yacob, Pengenalan Sains Forensik, Penerbit UTM, 2003.
3. Saferstein, R., Handbook of Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, Vol. 1 & 2, 1988.
4. Saferstein, R., Criminalistic, An Introduction to Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, 1998.
5. Journals that cover innovations and applications in the field of Pure and Forensic Chemistry such
as Science & Justice, Journal Forensic Sciences, Journal of Chromatography A, The Analyst,
Analytica Chimica Acta, Analytical Chemistry, Talanta, Analytical Letters, Analytical and
Bioanalytical Chemistry.
MSCN 1830 : EXPERT TESTIMONY & MOOT COURT
This course enables the student to prepare and present evidence in a simulated court - being cross
examined by trial attorneys.
References:
1. Moenssens, A. and Starrs, J., Scientific Evidence in Civil and Criminal Cases, Westbury,
Foundation Press, 1995.
2. White, P., Crime Scene to Court -The Essentials of Forensic Science, The Royal Society of
Chemistry, 1998.
3. Mimi Kamariah Majid, Criminal Procedure in Malaysia, 3rd ed., University of Malaya Press, 1999.
4. Francis Ng Aik Guan, Criminal Procedure, Malayan Law Journal, 2000
MSCN 1913 : CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
This course deals with advanced topics relating to the role physical evidence plays in the criminal
justice system. Topics include philosophical aspects of crime scene investigation as well as the
practical crime scene searching techniques, evidence collection, handling and management and the
legal framework as it relates to physical evidence.
References:
1. Horswell, J., The Practice of Crime Scene Investigation, CRC, Boca Raton,
2004
2. Fisher, B.A.J., Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, 7thedition, CRC, Boca Raton, 2004.
3. Saferstein, R., Handbook of Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, Vol. 1 & 2, 1988.
2. Saferstein, R., Criminalistic, An Introduction to Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, 1998.
3. White, P., Crime Scene to Court -The Essentials of Forensic Science, The Royal Society of
Chemistry, 1998.
MSCN 1923 : BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
This course introduces the principles of forensic serology, DNA, pathology, anthropology, odonthology
and toxicology. The role of the forensic laboratory in the identification of human remains;
determination of the time, cause, and manner of death; individualization of biological materials.
66
2015 / 2016
GRADUATE STUDIES HANDBOOK
Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
References:
1. Saferstein, R., Handbook of Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, Vol. 1 & 2, 1988.
2. Saferstein, R., Criminalistic, An Introduction to Forensic Science, Prentice Hall, 1998.
3. Eckert & James. Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes, NY: Elsevier Press.
1989.
4. Gaensslen, R. Sourcebook in Forensic Serology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, NIJ: NCJRS,
1983.
5. Keith Inman and Norah Rudin, Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, CRC Press, Boca Raton,
2002.
MSCN 1933 : EXAMINATION OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
This course covers aspects relating to the work of Questioned Document Examiners, Historical
Dating, Fraud Investigations, Paper & Ink analysis, Document Forgery Handwriting and Typewriting
Analysis.
References:
1. Brunelle, R., "Questioned Document Examination" in R. Saferstein (ed.) Forensic Science
Handbook. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1982.
MSCN 1943 : QUALITY ASSURANCE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE
This course provides a preparation for the forensic scientists to develop and implement quality
assurance and quality control procedures to ensure the excellence of a laboratory. Covers preparation
of laboratory procedures and policies, use of appropriate standards and controls, and validation
methods for establishing an effective quality assurance program in their laboratory.
References:
1. Handbook of quality assurance for the analytical chemistry laboratory/ James P. Dux, New York:
Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1986.
2. Laboratory quality assurance / Peter J. Howanitz, Joan H. Howanitz
MSCN 1953 : FORENSIC ENGINEERING
This course introduces the students to problems that can arise from product failure caused by
inadequate materials, poor manufacturing or assembly methods, or poor design. This course also
provides guidance for good product design before development. Case studies on historical
catastrophes and failures will be presented.
References:
1. Carper, K.L., Forensic Engineering, Elsevier, 1989.
2. Lewis, P. R., Reynolds, K. and Gagg, C., Forensic Materials Engineering, 2003.
MSCN 1963 : COMPUTER FORENSICS
This course introduces the students to computer evidence issues, computer incident responses and
security risk assessments. Expert witness testimony is touched upon during the course. This course
also stresses on computer evidence preservation, cross validation of forensic tools and the
documentation of computer evidence findings. Solid computer evidence processing methodologies
are also taught to help overcome legal "junk science" attacks against the admissibility of computerrelated evidence.
67
2015 / 2016
GRADUATE STUDIES HANDBOOK
Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
References:
1. Mohay, G., Computer Intrusion Forensics, Boston Artech House, 2003.
2. Vacca, Jand Hingham, J. R.,Computer Forensics: Computer Crime Investigation, Mass. Charles
River Media, 2002.
3. Caloyannides, M. A., Computer Forensics and Privacy, Norwood, Mass., Artech House, 2001.
4. Johnson, T.A., Forensic Computer Crime Investigation, CRC Press Boca Raton, 2006.
nd
5. Middleton, B., Cyber Crime Investigator’s Field Guide, 2 Ed., Averbach, Boca Raton , 2005.
MSCN 1973 : FIRE AND EXPLOSION INVESTIGATION
This course covers the investigation of the causes of fires, whether accidental or deliberate.
This involves the study of the dynamics of fires and explosions as a basis for interpretation
of fire/ explosion scenes in order to ascertain their cause (accidental or malicious) and who if
anyone is to blame. The module will also explore the health and safety implications of such
scenes and the identification and recovery of evidential materials. The investigation of accidental
or illegal explosions are also dealt with in this course.
References:
1. Analytical Methods in Forensic Chemistry, editor Mat H. Ho, New York : E Horwood, 1990.
th
2. Kirk’s Fire Investigation, John De Haan, 5 ed., Prentice Hall, 2002.
3. NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2008.
4. Modern Methods and Applications in the Analysis of Explosives, J. Yinon and S. Zitrin, John
Wiley. 1993.
MSCN 1983 : FIREARMS AND FORENSIC BALLISTICS
This course covers aspects of the forensic firearms examination. The science of ballistics will also
be dealt with.
References:
1.
Vincent, J. M., Di Maio, M.D., Gunshot wounds: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and
nd
Forensic Techniques, 2 Ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., 1998.
MSCN 1993 : FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY AND DRUGS OF ABUSE
This course introduces the student to the general practices of Forensic Toxicology. It also includes
a study of the qualitative and quantitative principles and procedures used in the detection of
drugs commonly abused or as toxins in body fluids and human organs.
References:
1. Fenton, J.J., Toxicology, A Case Oriented Approach, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2003.
2. Curry, A., Poison Detection in Human Organs, Thomas, Springfield, 1988.
3. Karch, S. B., Drug Abuse Handbook, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1998.
68